Derby Festé is always exciting and new – with a whole range of local, national and international performers. With the 10th festival just around the corner - we reflect on how important that very special weekend in September is for Derby's cultural landscape:

“We are both extremely proud to be part of Déda and Déda Producing, two of the major partners for Derby Festé. For us, Festé is a year-round focus as new work is created and developed, and Derby’s cultural landscape evolves. As artistic lead, Déda Producing has its finger on the pulse of innovative and exciting work never before seen in this country or region and Festé provides the opportunity to bring this work to people’s doorsteps.

Over the past 10 years, the festival has attracted stunning international acts to present a vibrant spectacle each September with over 30,000 visitors each year.

We think world class performance is most exciting when it’s up close and personal and Derby Festé manages to break down barriers and get everything out in the open – often so close you can touch it!

Representing a diverse mix of art forms and performances, Festé is the ‘shop window’ for Derby’s cultural organisations and it is important that we recognise the opportunity to increase awareness of our vibrant arts scene so that people know they are never short of things to do in this wonderful city! It is no wonder that Derby has been awarded internationally recognised Purple Flag status for its brilliantly diverse evening entertainment.

Derby Festé is a true celebration for all and offers unique experiences that can be enjoyed on so many levels as audiences, artists, producers and partners come together. The festival highlights areas of the city in new and exciting ways, transforming locations like Cathedral Green and Bass’ Recreation Ground into magical underwater worlds, circus tops and carousels.

Whether you’re being chased down Sadler Gate by a fire breathing dragon or standing open mouthed beneath a company of acrobats and aerial performers swirling and swaying 100ft high – Festé brings together scale, spectacle, storytelling and spirit in a way that is truly unique.

In such challenging times, coming together as a city is more important than ever and Festé is only made possible by the continued support of Derby’s cultural organisations, working in collaboration to increase awareness and engagement of the arts all year round. The strength of Derby’s cultural offer is achieved through a commitment to partnership working; discovering ways to strengthen our ties, learning from audiences, and offering exciting cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives across the region.

Inspiring the next generation of creative talent and cultural supporters is high on the Festé agenda and alongside the international programme, Festé nurtures and supports local talent – providing a platform to showcase diverse community arts projects from around Derby and the Midlands. By offering an annual commission opportunity for Derby-based artists and companies, the Festé programme truly represents the best in local, national and international work.

To secure the future of the festival – and maintain this special opportunity to showcase the arts and put Derby on the map – it is crucial for audiences to support their local cultural organisations throughout the year. At Déda we strive to offer events for all ages, from curious kids to mature movers, and we love to meet newly inspired audiences in the Autumn, fresh from Festé.

Look out for Déda favourites Company Chameleon and Stopgap Dance Company over the festival weekend this year! Our upcoming season will keep the Festé buzz going right through until Christmas and beyond, with the very best of dance, contemporary circus and family work.